August 3, 1898: Philadelphia Inquirer Scolds Pastor for Sartorial Decision

By Margaret Leidy Harner from her book One Day at a Time: A Social History of Boyertown, PA.

August 3, 1898: The “coatless parson,” Rev. Joseph E. Freeman, pastor of the Reformed congregations in Boyertown and Sassamansville, has caused a sensation that received notice in nearly every newspaper in Eastern Pennsylvania for preaching a “hot weather” sermon in his shirt sleeves.

Most critics believe he was justified in removing his coat when the temperature reached 98 degrees inside the church in Sassamansville last Sunday. The members of that congregation are not a “supercilious set”; they do not believe that bodily comfort should be a slave of fashion. The sermon that he preached in his shirt sleeves was more vigorous and made a deeper impression on his audience than if it had come from a man who was suffering from the tortures of heat inflicted by being over clothed.

However, the Philadelphia Inquirer chose to signal him out for impropriety in doing so. The Allentown Morning Call jumped into the fray to defend Rev. Freeman, saying there was nothing indecent about it, no suggestion of immorality. On the contrary, it showed a simplicity in accord with the teachings of Christ.

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